Probation Officer

District of Columbia Courts•District of Columbia, DC

About The Position

The Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Family Court, Court Social Services Division (CSSD), is accepting applications for Probation Officers who work with juveniles and their families. The role involves case management and supervision activities. This announcement will create a roster of candidates for Superior Court Probation Officer vacancies. The Probation Officer conducts home, school, and community visits, monitors compliance with electronic monitoring or other supervision technology, reviews records and evaluations, and assists with case information and individualized supervision and treatment plans. The officer facilitates Family Group Conferences, coordinates with law enforcement and service providers, prepares written case materials, and supports court hearings under supervisory guidance. The position also requires timely case documentation, organized confidential files, and the use of de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed practices when managing challenging situations. CSSD operates a non-weaponized probation system; staff do not carry weapons. The division emphasizes communication, de-escalation, relationship-building, and nonviolent juvenile supervision, with ongoing Tactical and Communication Techniques (TACT) Level II training. New court staff must complete a one-year probationary period. Employment is contingent on favorable background and suitability checks and maintaining the required driver's license and driving record.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a social science field, such as social work, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, or sociology.
At least two years of specialized experience working with youth and families, providing case planning, supervision, and service coordination.
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license, with no license suspensions within the past 60 months or felony or misdemeanor driving convictions.
First-time appointees to positions covered under law enforcement officer retirement provisions must be under age 37 at appointment, subject to the stated provision for qualifying prior law enforcement experience.
Complete fingerprinting, a Child Protection Register check, and background investigation; continued employment depends on a favorable suitability determination. Updated investigations occur every two years.
All new court staff must successfully complete a one-year probation period.
Upload a college transcript or degree showing the required education details. Applicants relying on foreign education must also upload a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with their transcript.
Resume must clearly describe relevant experience and demonstrate that the basic qualifications are met.
Be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, the ideals of the American republic, and upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

Conduct home, school, and community visits, including curfew checks and placement visits as appropriate.
Monitor compliance with electronic monitoring or other supervision technology and report alerts or concerns to supervisory staff according to division procedures.
Review evaluations, assessments, school records, psychological reports, and other documentation to understand each youth's risks, needs, strengths, and circumstances.
Assist in accessing case information and contribute to individualized supervision and treatment plans.
Facilitate Family Group Conferences with youth and their parent or guardian to discuss supervision expectations, address barriers to compliance, review progress, and reinforce support aligned with the youth's case plan.
Coordinate with law enforcement, service providers, and other partner agencies.
Prepare portions of written reports, including social history information, compliance summaries, status reports, and treatment updates.
Prepare for and attend court hearings as required, providing case updates and supporting case presentations under supervisory guidance.
Document case activities in the Court's case management system accurately and promptly, consistent with division processes and procedures.
Maintain organized and complete case files in accordance with documentation standards and confidentiality requirements.
Apply de-escalation techniques and TACT II training to manage challenging behaviors, reduce conflict, and stabilize high-stress situations involving youth or families while adhering to trauma-informed practices.